Zambia Police say three suspects have died after ten detainees escaped from lawful custody at Nakonde Police Station in Muchinga Province.
The incident occurred on January 24, 2026, at around 14:30 hours, when police officers opened a cell to distribute food.
According to police, the suspects forcibly pushed their way out of the cell and fled from the station.
In a statement, Muchinga Province Commanding Officer Dennis Moola said officers fired warning shots in an attempt to stop the escape. However, some of the suspects continued to flee.
Mr Moola said three suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and were rushed to Nakonde District Hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
The deceased have been identified as Christopher Simfukwe, aged 33, who was facing an aggravated robbery charge; James Paka, aged 28, suspected of illegal entry; and Kangwa Kangwa, aged 36, suspected of possession of counterfeit notes.
Their bodies have been deposited at the Nakonde District Hospital mortuary pending post-mortem examinations.
Police have since recaptured three suspects: Nkwiza Sinkala, aged 19, suspected of possession of an offensive weapon; Willard Siame, aged 21; and Edward Sikanyika, aged 33, both suspected of murder.
Four suspects remain at large and have been identified as Steward Sikaonga, aged 21, suspected of murder; Reuben Munthali, aged 30, suspected of assault; Jonathan Sikanyika, aged 30; and Salifyanji Sichimata, aged 23, both suspected of theft.
Police say investigations are ongoing and that search operations have been intensified while residents in Muchinga Province have been assured that security measures are in place as the manhunt continues.
By Best Jere
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